WhatsApp updates are often thick and fast. This is not surprising, because it is the most popular chat app in the world, with a estimated at 2 billion users sending messages around the world every month.

Thus, the service owned by Facebook is constantly being improved and upgraded, implementing new features and occasionally making changes to the privacy terms and features.

If you’re one of the WhatsApp devotees, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the latest updates and changes to the app, as well as any potential additions and changes on the horizon.

Latest news on WhatsApp updates (updated July 20)

WhatsApp now lets you join group calls that have already started

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users to join a group call that has already started even if they initially ignored the call.

Before that, to join a group call, you had to accept the invitation when it was first sent when the call started. But now you can just head over to the Calls tab and join from there.

July 12: WhatsApp disappearance messages arrive in iOS beta

The current beta of WhatsApp for iOS supports disappearance of messages, according to some research by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp version 2.21.140.9 on Testflight. This apparently allows users to send photos and videos that effectively self-destruct once viewed once.

Such a feature is likely to come in handy for people who are very privacy-conscious, at least when rolled out in the full version of WhatsApp. But that won’t prevent recipients of the message from capturing it and saving it for later, so this feature isn’t foolproof.

The Single View feature will need to be enabled by users, and as it rolls out to beta users, you may have to wait for it to be added to your beta of WhatsApp. For people who are not on the beta program, you might be out of luck because at the time of writing it’s sold out.

July 12: WhatsApp has found a way to make your photos and videos look better

Go through a new feature identified by WABetaInfo in the latest beta of WhatsApp, a “better” option for sending photos from videos might come to the messaging service.

As the name suggests, it looks like a way to send high quality photos and videos if you have the cellular connection or Wi-Fi to support it.

July 1: WhatsApp would test “View Once” messages

WhatsApp could enter Snapchat-like ephemeral messaging, according to report WABetaInfo, which notes the rollout of a new “View Once” feature will allow users to see certain incoming messages only once before they are erased forever. The service has offered self-deleting messages in the past, but not with such a limited window to display them.

WABetaInfo reported that View Once features are currently rolling out to the beta version of WhatsApp for Android 2.21.14.3 for specific beta testers. After viewing the message, the sender will know that it has been viewed. Once closed, the message is permanently deleted.

June 27: WhatsApp tests new voicemail feature

Another beta deep dive by WABetaInfo discovered that WhatsApp is testing a modified version of the voice messages feature, which not only allows users to see a waveform of their voice while recording a message, but also allows them to stop a recording to listen to their message before sending it.

This last part is not possible in the current full version of WhatsApp on iOS or Android, which means that it is too easy to record and send a message without being able to verify it first. WABetaInfo published a video of the Voice Waveform feature in action, which would indicate that it is likely to reach the full version of WhatsApp.

May 21: Chat migration feature could arrive

If you change your phone or phone number, you may not have to lose all of your saved messages. This is because, according to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is apparently working on a feature that will allow you to transfer your chat history.

The feature would work between the iOS and Android versions of the app, and also allows you to switch your account from one number to another. However, this feature has not yet been officially announced and there is no clear indication of when it will be available.

May 17: Vanish Mode option could arrive

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a feature that allows users to turn on disappearance mode – which automatically deletes sent messages after a certain time – for all messages.

Currently, users must enable the feature for each individual conversation. It is not known if or when this feature will be available to all users.

May 9: WhatsApp plans to retain features on privacy terms

In January 2021, WhatsApp revealed that it would share private user data with parent company Facebook. Following widespread backlash, WhatsApp announced that it will not force users to agree to the new privacy terms before the original May 15 deadline and will not delete accounts for users who continue to resist the terms. .

Initially, WhatsApp said it would limit the functionality of the app for users who do not agree to the terms, blocking access to the chat list and restricting incoming calls and notifications. However, following further backlash, WhatsApp changed course again at the end of May and said it would not limit functionality after all.

May 4: functionality to review voicemail messages in tests

WhatsApp is apparently testing a feature that will make it easier for users to review recorded voicemail messages before sending them. According to WABetaInfo, who shared an alleged video demonstration of the feature, it will allow users to review their recordings in a less burdensome way than the previous method. The feature is reportedly being tested right now, and it’s unclear if or when it will be available to the public.

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